Experience The Spoleto Festival USA

Updated May 2025

The Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti in his quest to establish a duplicate of The Festival of Two Worlds held annually in Spoleto, Italy. In his planning of an American Spoleto Festival he searched for a city that offered the same charm of Spoleto, Italy with its abundance of theaters, churches, and other performance spaces.

Charleston, SC was selected as the ideal spot for an annual festival to showcase established and rising future artists in opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz of both national and international renown. Menotti spoke of Charleston as a city with Old World charm in both architecture and gardens, a place where one could comfortably walk from one theater to the next and yet having a large enough community of visitors to warrant the 150 performances he planned.

The Festival's goal is to offer programs of the highest artistic degree while closely keeping their commitment to young artists and all forms of innovation in the performing arts, while still providing unusual performance opportunities for established artists as well. This aspect of the Festival provides young artists the opportunity to work with and gain valuable experience from veteran directors, designers, performers and world-renowned artists.

Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra Photo by Leigh Webber Photography
provided by spoletousa.org

The members of the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra are selected by nationwide auditions to form the Festival's resident ensemble. Over the years, the Festival Orchestra has proven to be an opportunity for young musicians to gain extensive performance experience. Alumni of the Spoleto orchestra can be found in almost every professional orchestra in the United States and also internationally.

The 17-Day 2025 Spoleto Festival USA will run from May 23 through June 08, 2025. It is a great time to visit the Charleston area as spring is the season of colorful azaleas, dogwoods, and flowering blooms between March and June. It is important to note that humidity levels are high in Charleston so you may find Charleston hot. Some call Charleston weather moderate in the spring, ranging between 65 to 80 degrees. Restaurants and indoor venues usually keep their locations pretty cool so you may want to carry a light long sleeved shirt with you to account for the difference in tempature and humidity entering and exiting indoor venues.

Taking a tour with Carolina Marine Group ... That's Us :) is a great way to enjoy the cool ocean breeze while learning about Charleston. Captain Dave is not only knowledgible regarding Charleston History but knows how to have fun. You can learn more about the tours we offer or fill out our custom tour booking form to make sure you have the perfect tour crafted just for you.

The venues for Spoleto Festival USA shift a bit each year, so checking the latest info is key if you want to keep up with where all the action is. For 2025, performances and exhibits will take place across some of Charleston’s most iconic and accessible spaces. This year’s lineup includes the Charleston Gaillard Center, Dock Street Theatre, Charleston Music Hall, College of Charleston Sottile Theatre, College of Charleston Cistern Yard, Festival Hall, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Circular Congregational Church, Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, Emmett Robinson Theatre, Simons Center Recital Hall, Charleston County School of the Arts Rose Maree Myers Theater, and The Riviera. Each venue offers wheelchair accessibility and other accommodations to make sure all guests feel welcome and comfortable

In 1979, after hosting two years of mini Spoleto festivals, Charleston’s Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. launched the Piccolo Spoleto Festival to highlight Charleston’s local performing artists, creating the perfect complement to the national and international scope of its parent festival. The ‘new’ Piccolo Spoleto Festival is operated by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs.

If you're looking for the perfect way to kick off the 2025 Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston has you covered with two standout events on Friday, May 23. Start your festival experience at noon with the Opening Ceremony at Charleston City Hall, located at the historic intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets. This free public event includes chiming church bells, lively speeches from the steps of City Hall, surprise performances, and festive energy to get you in the Spoleto spirit. Then, as the sun goes down, make your way to the iconic U.S. Custom House for the Sunset Serenade with the Charleston Symphony. This beloved free outdoor concert, part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, begins at 8:00 PM and will feature familiar favorites by Gershwin, Bernstein, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, led by conductor Ryo Hasegawa with guest soloists Kyaunnee Richardson and pianist Daniela Liebman. Bring a beach chair or blanket, grab your crew, and enjoy an unforgettable night of music under the stars in one of Charleston’s most scenic spots. Whether you choose one event or both, it’s a high-energy and memorable way to launch your Spoleto weekend.

The 2025 Spoleto Festival USA wraps up with a free community celebration in Hampton Park on Saturday, June 7, from 5:00 to 10:00 PM. This open-air finale features live music performances and a variety of food vendors, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees to enjoy. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, gather your friends and family, and join fellow festival-goers in marking the end of Charleston’s premier arts event. It's a perfect way to conclude the festival with music, food, and community spirit.

There are so many events that happen every year including a host of offerings by artists that are a part of Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Here are some of the events happening this year that are a part of Spoleto Festival divided by interest.

Photo by Christopher Backholm
provided by spoletousa.org

Experience the U.S. premiere of White Box, a gripping multimedia performance that blends live music, dance, film, and storytelling. Based on the true story of a 19th-century expedition to the North Pole in a hydrogen balloon, this show brings adventure, mystery, and human ambition to life on stage. Performances run May 29–31 at the Emmett Robinson Theatre at the College of Charleston.

Photo by Rich Hein
provided by spoletousa.org

This one-man show delivers a powerful retelling of Jan Karski’s efforts to alert the Allies during World War II about the atrocities of the Holocaust. A story of courage, duty, and the moral cost of inaction, this performance will leave a lasting impression. Catch it June 5–8 at the College of Charleston Sottile Theatre.

provided by spoletousa.org

Looking for something more interactive and upbeat? Mrs. Krishnan’s Party is a vibrant, immersive theater experience where the audience becomes part of the action. Set in the back room of a convenience store, this heartwarming show invites guests into a Diwali celebration. Watch as the actors juggle cooking, music, laughter, and heartfelt drama—right in front of you. Performances run June 6–8 at The Riviera Theater.

For the Spoleto Full Performance Show Schedule Click Here

Jessica Sgambelluri - photo by Hisae Aihara
provided by spoletousa.org

Experience the dynamic collaboration between the Limón Dance Company and the Festival Chorus in performances that blend classical and contemporary dance. Shows are scheduled for May 31 and June 1 at Festival Hall.

Music from the Sole - photo by Titus Ogilvie Laing
provided by spoletousa.org

This vibrant performance combines tap dance and live music to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Black dance and music. Catch this show from May 23–26 at the Emmett Robinson Theatre at the College of Charleston.

For the Spoleto Full Performance Show Schedule Click Here

photo by  WILLIAM STRUHS
provided by spoletousa.org

Enjoy a series of 11 programs featuring globally renowned musicians performing a mix of classical masterpieces and contemporary works. These intimate concerts are held at the historic Dock Street Theatre throughout the festival.

photo by Scott Suchman
provided by spoletousa.org

Cellist Alisa Weilerstein presents six unique recitals that pair Bach’s cello suites with newly commissioned works by 27 contemporary composers. Experience these performances on May 26, 28, 29, and 31.

provided by spoletousa.org

Conducted by Joe Miller, the Festival Chorus performs inspiring choral works in the acoustically rich St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. These concerts are a festival tradition, integral since 1977.

For the Spoleto Full Performance Show Schedule Click Here

Charleston offers a range of accommodations for people attending the Spoleto Festival. Downtown Charleston is the most popular area to book a place to stay as it is conveniently located near the festival venues and provides easy access to the city's attractions. Here are some options for places to stay in downtown Charleston.

Hyatt Place Charleston
The Dewberry
Francis Marion Hotel
The Vendue 
HarbourView Inn 
The Charleston Place 
The Spectator Hotel
Hotel Bennett Charleston 
Market Pavilion Hotel

If you are looking for a unique and relaxing place to stay during your visit to Charleston with the absolute best view of the city, the harbor, and the most majestic sunrises and sunsets, you can book an overnight stay on our luxury yacht.

With four bedrooms and four baths, Southern Comfort offers ample space for up to eight guests. The lower level's master suite steals the show with its spacious layout, providing plenty of room for relaxation. On the main level, you'll find a large living area with luxurious furnishings, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. However, it's the flybridge that steals the hearts of our guests, thanks to its unbeatable panoramic views of the harbor. Enjoy a glass of wine as you watch the sunset from this favorite spot.

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